Monsters of the Midway Act sparks discussion of the role of public dollars financing sports franchises

CHICAGO – Nearly 20 years ago, the Bears were warned that their Soldier Field renovation plans were too small, too limited in use and downright ugly. The Bears dismissed those concerns and moved full speed ahead in their demand for more than a half billion dollars in public funding to redo the stadium according to their vision.

Now, they’re preparing to walk away from it and potentially move to suburban Arlington Heights. All the reasons for their move are the concerns brought up and rejected by the Bears 20 years ago.

THORNTON – Hoping that local students will take advantage of resources at their local library, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III announced the Thornton Public Library District is set to receive $14,000 from the Project Next Generation grant.

“Keeping our students in learning atmospheres and not on the streets will help change the trajectory of their lives,” Harris said. “I strongly support supplying our local libraries with funding to create new resources that engage our students.”

Thornton Public Library District will receive $14,000 in PNG grants from the Illinois State Library using federal Library Services and Technology Act funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

PNG is a mentoring program established by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to help middle and high school students develop technological skills, achieve success through project-based learning, and gain life skills such as effective communication, goal-setting and conflict resolution.

The secretary of state awarded $530,104 in 2021 PNG grants to 28 public libraries statewide. Grants are awarded to libraries that serve culturally diverse, low-income and underserved populations.

SPRINGFIELD – As hikers flock to Illinois’ parks and forests to enjoy colorful fall foliage, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) hopes to advance public education and awareness of dangerous tick-borne diseases as the newest member of the state’s Lyme Disease Task Force. 

“Warmer, longer summers in the Midwest mean the risk of Lyme disease is on the rise,” Murphy said. “Many doctors don’t think to test for the disease right away, but early detection could make all the difference—raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease might save a life.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham is joining Representatives Fran Hurley and Kelly Burke to host a virtual town hall via Zoom on Thursday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.

The three will update audience members on new laws that passed the General Assembly last spring, discuss upcoming legislative issues, and answer questions from residents.

“We wanted to find a safe way to connect with the people we represent, despite the ongoing pandemic,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “A virtual town hall will allow everyone to participate, no matter their health concerns.”

Cunningham, Hurley, and Burke encourage local residents to submit questions in advance on Sen. Cunningham’s website, https://senatorbillcunningham.com/.

They’re also requesting participants register in advance in order to receive the Zoom link at www.SenatorBillCunningham.com/VTH1007.

KANKAKEE – Two area libraries will receive grants to administer mentorship programs for at-risk youth, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Tuesday.

“After a difficult year for our students, these grants couldn’t have come at a better time,” Joyce said. “Making sure our at-risk youth have the resources and mentors they need to get back on track is important, and Project Next Generation will help with that.” 

Lightford announces $20 million investment in job training

CHICAGO – To help adults and youth who have suffered job losses during the pandemic, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) recently announced $20 million will go toward workforce recovery efforts through the American Rescue Plan Act Job Training and Economic Development Program.

“As the result of an unprecedented global pandemic, investments in workforce training have never been more important for our communities, our people and our economy,” Lightford said. “I’m proud to join Gov. Pritzker in announcing the next steps to guide our continued economic recovery with investments that will put more people back to work. I look forward to heading up the work of the commission so that we can close the equity gap that has for too long shut residents out and bring more Illinoisans into not just jobs, but permanent career paths.”

Read more.

Recycling event big success in Logan Square/Avondale community

CHICAGO – State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) along with other local leaders hosted a free Recycling Day, which included a prescription drug take-back, document shredding and electronics recycling.

“Saturday’s event provided a great opportunity for community members to come out to not only clear up clutter around their homes, but also do so in a way that will help our environment,” Pacione-Zayas said. “I want to thank everyone who participated, especially our hardworking volunteers, for making this event a big success.”

Read more.

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GENEVA – The City of Geneva and Naperville Heritage Society have been awarded more than $2 million in Rebuild Illinois capital grants as part of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s latest $16.5 million investment, State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) announced Friday.

“Rebuild Illinois investments will fuel necessary economic development in Geneva and Naperville,” Villa said. “Hundreds of Illinois families will benefit from these new job opportunities at a critical time for our workforce.”

The City of Geneva received $1,270,017 for a new electrical substation to prepare for industrial development nearby. This funding to develop a 211-acre parcel of land will support essential utilities while attracting and creating hundreds of jobs. 

Rebuild Illinois also invested $765,000 in a new visitor center and exhibit at the Naperville Heritage Society’s Naper Settlement Museum. The museum currently features 13 acres of interactive opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn about Naperville’s history, and the expansion is intended to boost tourism and economic activity throughout the region.

Through the Rebuild Illinois Regional Economic Development program, DCEO provided grants for 11 new projects that will unlock a total $75.5 million investment and create at least 1,465 jobs statewide.

“The City of Geneva’s new electrical substation will lead to increased industry expansion and economic growth,” Villa said. “These grants will also allow Naperville residents and visitors to connect with the city’s rich history through engaging experiences at the Naper Settlement Museum.”

More information on the Rebuild Illinois capital grants and a full list of projects selected for grants can be found on DCEO’s website.

­CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee will hold a joint hearing with the Senate Executive Sub-committee on Procurement to discuss Senate Bill 1900 on Monday, Sept. 27.

“As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I am committed to exploring new ways to make our transportation network safe and accessible with the absolute stewardship of taxpayer dollars as a top priority,” Villivalam said. “We will have a robust, transparent discussion on encouraging private investment that may ease the financial burden on our state and invite our economic drivers to have a stake in the transportation network.”